Housing Resources

The organizations listed can provide some useful information regarding housing in the Greater Rochester area.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal – New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) preserves housing affordability and works with many private, public and nonprofit sector partners to create inclusive, safe, "green," and resilient places to live in New York State. HCR provides funding for the development of and preservation of affordable housing. This website also has many tenant and homeowner resources.

PathStone – PathStone is a private, not-for-profit regional community development and human service organization providing services to farmworkers, low-income families, and economically depressed communities. PathStone offers many services including but not limited to affordable housing development, property management, economic development, emergency and supportive services, and health and safety services.

The Housing Council at PathStone – The Housing Council provides information and training for tenants, homeowners and landlords.  This information includes topics such as landlord education, foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase counseling, emergency housing services and fair housing education. The Council provides property management tools and strategies to landlords to enhance their business skills and familiarize them with their rights and responsibilities.

Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation – Sheen Housing offers housing opportunities in 13 counties in New York State. Their services include home repair, home ownership, and housing development.

Rochester Housing Authority – The Housing Authority manages public housing in the Rochester Area. They also manage the Section 8 waitlist and housing vouchers for Monroe County. They offer rental assistance programs and resident services as well.  Although the current Monroe County Section 8 waitlist is closed, it does reopen periodically.  Checking the website periodically will help you to know if and when the list will open again.

Flower City Habitat for Humanity – Flower City Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard and poverty housing in Rochester.  Flower City Habitat for Humanity builds homes and revitalizes neighborhoods in the City of Rochester.  Homes are built through the efforts of volunteers and the "sweat equity" of homebuyers in the neighborhood. 

Bureau of Housing and Support Services (BHSS) – The BHSS is part of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The BHSS administers several programs to address the problem of homelessness across the state. These services are provided to individuals who are homeless and households that are at risk and low income. The programs are designed to provide shelter for the homeless, construct supportive housing, and increase levels of self-sufficiency. Click here to find agencies that provide BHSS services in the Greater Rochester Area.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) – The OTDA is responsible for providing Temporary Assistance, assistance in paying for food (SNAP), providing heating assistance (HEAP), child support enforcement programs, determining certain aspects of eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits, supervision of homeless housing and services programs, and several other supports and services.

Neighborworks Rochester – Neighborworks Rochester is a chapter of Neighborworks America. The organization offers education in home ownership and financial literacy. They also provide loan services, energy conservation services, and lead paint services.

Special Purpose Housing Vouchers – Special purpose vouchers are specifically provided for by Congress in the Federal budget which distinguish them from regular Housing Choice Vouchers.  HUD will award funding to public housing authorities to administer the vouchers. RHA must use special purpose vouchers to assist only families that meet the eligibility criteria for that program. Each special purpose voucher program has its own set of rules and regulations that apply.  Available programs include Conversion Vouchers, Family Unification Program, Mainstream & NED Vouchers, and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

Providence Housing – Providence Housing provides housing development and property management services for many affordable properties in Rochester. Properties serve families, the elderly, and the disabled. They also provide the Shelter Plus Care Program for individuals who are homeless and struggle with chemical addition and a Veterans Permanent Housing program designed to provide permanent housing for income eligible individuals and families who have veteran status and are homeless.

HomeSmartNY – HomeSmartNY is a network of over 70 nonprofit organizations who offer education andone-on-one coaching that puts homeowners fully in charge of the complex process of choosing a realtor, selecting a home, finding the best financing, and being prepared to succeed at homeownership in the long term.

Isla Housing and Development – Isla is committed to developing and creating affordable housing for seniors in the community. They have developed housing, provided weatherization services, provide emergency shelter, and home renovations for first time homebuyers.

NCS Community Development Corporation – NCS Community Development Corporation provides Rochester neighborhoods with subsidies for home repair, property rehabilitation, and support for first time homebuyers.

Marketview Heights Association – Marketview Heights Association works to improve the quality of life in the northeast neighborhoods of Rochester.  Services include real estate services, Acquisition-Rehab Programs, Home program, Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program, and Pre/Post homebuyer education and counseling.

Contact Government Offices - Often there is a need to connect with a particular government office.  This link will allow you to search for the appropriate department or individual that can process your request.